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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination. | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 3-10 | 4-8 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |